More changes for Downtown Disney

Disney announced new plans for DTD: Work continues on bringing our vision for Downtown Disney to life and we are excited to announce two experiences that will be coming to Downtown Disney over the coming months: Splitsville, a 50,000-square-foot upscale entertainment center that combines bowling with billiards, dining, music and nightlife; and Apricot Lane, a specialty retail store that offers celebrity-inspired branded apparel, affordable fashion jewelry, handbags and accessories.
Splitsville I would think will take over were Ridermakerz ( this is moving to Marketplace) is now and Apricot Lane where Harley Davidson used to be.

I don't bowl, play billiards or get into celebrity inspired apparel but, even if I did, I don't think I consider this announcement a big deal. Most people can shop on-line, bowl or play billiards anywhere. I feel that Disney has lost that creative spark in many areas making many of their ventures a bit ho-hum.... Still not much reason for me to visit DD.

I agree this is nothing amazing. That being said, how many times do people ask on WDW Today about what to do on a day out of the parks. A movie at the dinner theatre and a day of bowling are two newer options. Options are good as far as I am concerned.

I am just not sure it was the best use of their money. Of course they are not using any real R&D money, or licensing so it probably was a relatively cheap investment.

The problem with any kind of entertainment in Downtown Disney is that something "exciting" will out price the average family of four. Disney is actually smart putting in a large complex that supplies relatively cheap entertainment. Compared to Crique and DisneyQuest, this will seem like a steal for a family. Also did you notice how it says "...will feature music and nightlife". I suspect this will be more than a bowling alley, and more like a Dave & Busters.

The new 50,000-square-foot venue will replace RIDEMARKERZ, currently located on the West Side (in the former Virgin Megastore location). RIDEMAKERZ which will relocate to the Marketplace side. Inside, guests will be able to have fun and eat from a menu that includes sliders, sushi, pizza, and a variety of other appetizers, entrees and desserts.

And after 8pm, guests are encouraged to wear evening attire as Splitsville turns to adult-oriented nightlife. In fact, other Splitsville locations require guests to be age 21 and up to enter after 8pm. It’s not yet clear whether this policy will continue at the Walt Disney World location, a traditional home of family-friendly entertainment.

...

“Over on Pleasure Island, we’ve completed removing some of the buildings that aren’t part of our future plans. During the course of this site work, we identified opportunities to further refine our master plan and are pausing to evaluate them. What does this mean for you? While we’re moving quickly, it will admittedly cause a delay in construction. But we’re willing to bet that any delay will be worth the wait once we’re able to share details about the exciting work we’ve been doing.”

Construction on Splitsville will begin this fall with no opening date set.

Although I doubt this will be a 21 and up venue, I do see this as something that will make a huge impact on traffic.